You can find rental houses and apartments here: http://www.rentalia.com/

Nancy - How many people do you need to accommodate, how long are you staying (many have minimums) and what's your budget?

Rome: http://www.dolceroma.it/
http://www.b-b.rm.it/
http://www.domusintl.com/easyStore/i...goriaID=100001

Tuscany:
In Montepulciano (weekly rental) http://www.appartamentialpoggiolo.it/poggiolo_ing_home.
http://www.lemanzinaie.it/
Will rent less than a week: http://www.politian.com/

Venice:
http://www.palazzettodaschio.it/mainuk.html
http://www.rosadivenezia.com/

Have fun planning.

In Rome we stayed in an apartment of Domus International, check them out here: www.domusintl.com. We found them through Slow Travel where you can find very interesting and trustworthy suggestions.
Domus also manages some properties outside of Rome,in Florence and other less typical locations, you just have to ask them.
Our apartment was the Pantheon one, Pozzo del Cornacchie. I highly recommend contacting Stefano or Mirela who are kind, helpful and very professional. This is the one point I would like to make Nancy: make sure the agency or owner you deal with is straightforward and professional (in the way we understand these terms in the English-speaking world)! Otherwise you may risk having a problematic trip, with nobody to assist when you need it the most. Been there, done that. However this last Rome trip was wonderful and smooth and the flat played an important part.

We stayed in this (ground floor) Rome apartment with a patio during a birthday trip: http://www.arcosbedandbreakfast.it/

It's good value as you can rent half or the whole apartment (from 50-150 €) and there's a nice patio. Also it is just down the street from the metro stop. San Giovanni is a nice low-key area not brimming with tour groups.

Family run and there's breakfast, cereals etc in the fridge. I would use it again.

Zeppole, where is that apartment in Liguria? Can you post a link?

Last October we used www.romecapitalapartments.com and had a great experience. An English-speaking rep met us at the apartment and explained how everything works (it was modern and lovely, btw). We rented a one bedroom along the Tiber (with two terraces) and an elevator (we were on the 4th). I don't recall the price, but I know it was very reasonable because that's the only way I'd go :). It was called the Miguel something. Only downside: incredible bird problem in that area, but I've been told it isn't usually that bad.

We're renting from them again in December.

We used Venice Apt.org, http://veniceapartments.org/ for a rental in Venice. They were easy to deal with in spite of our our many date changes. The apt was as pictured. U did go to their office to pick up and drop off the key. Its right near the train station and where the bus from the airport drops u off, so it wasnt a problem. They provided great direction to the office and then to the apt.

Wow! Fodor's is incredible. Ask a question and receive 26 answers. Incredible. Thanks to all of you. We are used to European apartments and have simple expectatons. Especially with the ability of European washer/dryers. Always buy clothes lines. We travel in Sept and Oct so we don't worry about A/C. You have been so helpful. I'm ready to start planning. I can't wait to ask about Germany in a couple years.

I like the looks of the aparment that Tedgale stayed in for Rome. I think it's listed on Romecapitalapartments website. The name is Miguel. Here's a link to his pictures.
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?ai...5&l=840faa5003

And a link to his trip report.
http://www.fodors.com/community/euro...rip-report.cfm

I also like the one that kristina stayed in, but it's really for four people. If the price is right, you might want to consider it.
http://www.fodors.com/community/euro...rip-report.cfm

She has some pics of it on her website.
http://www.wired2theworld.com/

Last June my family and I stayed at http://www.domuscolosseo.com : beautiful apartment and great location. The owner was also very helpful. Although it's true, it's impossible to find a clothes dryer in European apartments!

Marianna,

http://www.casaferretto.it/lacasa.asp

... and for those who think it is impossible rent an apartment with a clothes dryer in Europe, these are in Rome:

http://www.villarenters.com/villas/e...-26745-sum.asp

http://www.holidaylettings.co.uk/rentals/rome/33233

http://www.italyrents.com/default.as...&id_resort=412

http://www.homeaway.com/vacation-rental/p151295

Just do google searches, folks, before you jump to conclusions on the basis of your own experience.

For Rome, I have used www.sleepinitaly.com six times for an apartment and have always been pleased. Their website clearly states whether or not there is an elevator or AC, and I have found their descriptions very accurate. I do always double check the location if I'm not sure of it, since their idea of a "few steps" from somewhere is sometimes different from mine!

I wouldn't assume you don't need AC in September. I was in Venice, Tuscany & Rome in September and it was definitely hot enough for air conditioning.

I agree with Susan, Sleep in Italy has always done fine for me, just as I am again sure they will be doing with our trip this Christmas.

A couple of things to be aware of...

1) "First Floor" in Europe is called the second floor in the U.S..

2) If the building does not have an elevator and the apartment is say on the 3rd floor or higher, don't be surprised as to the number of steps between floors. While a standard ceiling height in the U.S. is NOW about 8 feet, in the past it was anywhere from 10-14 feet. Same is true in Europe. So, an apartment on say the 4th floor in a 17th century converted palazzo could be the equivalent of walking up maybe 7-8 flights of stairs in the U.S.

dave